Our Freedom

we were quite excited about the 4th this year. the kids are big and we can enjoy!
last year ellie was stuck in a car seat and warren complained about the noise.
our town offers a celebration at the city park each year with day long activities, music, food and events. it seems to be 120° each year, so we just go for the fireworks. the finale of the day is a fireworks display and we take the kids, sit in the back of the truck with drinks and snacks and enjoy the summer night light up with glory.
we were thrilled this year to learn the 4th would be on a friday and invited ryan's stepdad and his girlfriend over for ribs and other fattening fare. i even attempted to make a homemade blueberry pie to celebrate the holiday. i found it somewhat festive, yet know not what others thought. (by the way - it was perfect! - well the crust not so much)
it rained for two days and thankfully it ended by mid-morning friday. they arrived around 4 and we had a fantastic afternoon.
as a foodie, i am ELATED with new and interesting ideas. pam made 3 different cheese balls, but instead of 3 large lumps of heaven, she rolled them into individual balls. that way each person could take a ball and crackers/veggies on their plate without having to double dip. brilliant! she did a beef & green onion, bacon & blue cheese, and a mixed fruit. the fruit was SO good, i'll be posting the recipe as soon as i get it!
the mosquito bitten and 'off' scented clan left for the park around 830. we organized the bed of the truck with a tarp, comforter and turned on the cards' game.

within 15 min. the show began and ellie screamed.

she didn't stop.

i'm not certain if it was simply the lights or just the noise. she was horribly disturbed and she and i ended up sitting in the cab of the truck until it ended. i thought she would sit on my lap or perhaps in warren's seat (she is TERRIBLY jealous), but no. she sat in her car seat with a sippy cup and wouldn't budge. was sad to endure because i enjoy watching fireworks with warren, but what is a mother to do?

overall the day was great and i'm thrilled we were able to spend it with family. maybe next year ellie will tolerate more.

---

i also know that i vowed to post recipes each time i posted this summer. i didn't lie, i just forgot :)

this is one of our fave paula deen dishes we'll enjoy tonight for dinner:

georgia chicken

1/4 stick unsalted butter melted in frying pan
add 2 tbsp chopped shallots and 1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
saute for 10 min
add 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken tenders)
cook 10 min. on each side
top with 2 cups of mozzarella cheese

amazing!

happy july 4th weekend!